Phil McNulty assesses the reasons why England can still win Euro 2024 as they prepare for a quarter-final against Switzerland.
England survived a huge scare in the last 16 of Euro 2024 when Jude Bellingham's last-gasp overhead kick for the ages rescued them from a humiliating exit against Slovakia.
Southgate, who will take charge of his 100th game as manager against the Swiss, has overseen a mess in midfield, which saw the failed "experiment" of using Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice ditched just after half-time in the second Group C game against Denmark. Conor Gallagher then lasted only 45 minutes when he replaced Alexander-Arnold in the next game against Slovenia.
And that means a switch to back three, somewhat enforced by defender Marc Guehi's suspension. It is also a chance to give England more balance, potency and the opportunity to get the best out of what is, at first glance, an array of attacking riches. Bellingham has already done that, despite indifferent personal performances against Denmark and Slovenia, with defining contributions such as the winner against Serbia in England's opening game and that moment of magic against Slovakia.
Kane has scored two goals but has not been his usual threat. Foden has arguably been England's most dangerous player, but the feeling remains he could do a lot more if Southgate can devise a tactical style to allow him to work more centrally. It is in their hands and Southgate has seen signs of improvement, saying: "There has been a lot of expectation on the team in the early part of the tournament.
In Italy, manager Bobby Robson proved there was more to that particular vintage by altering his system to a back five for the next group game against a Netherlands side boasting Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten, Ronald Koeman and Frank Rijkaard. England have the players to make such a system work if they can unlock the potential that has been hidden away in Germany. Can they now do it?Switzerland are now regarded dark horses to win Euro 2024, posing a serious danger to England, especially if Southgate's side perform as poorly as they have.
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